The foreign affairs research centre LSE IDEAS was today named the world's fourth-best university think tank in a global survey.
IDEAS, the centre for international affairs, diplomacy and strategy at LSE, was also ranked the 20th most influential think tank in Western Europe.
The rankings, in the annual report of the Think Tank and Civic Society Program of the University of Pennsylvania, compared more than 5,300 think tanks from 120 countries.
They were assessed on categories including their ability to produce rigorous research, contribute socially innovative ideas and to bridge the gap between policymakers and the public. Reputation among academics, peers and the media was also a factor in the outcome.
The report's publishers said their main aim was to bring international recognition for the important role played by think tanks around the world.
Professor Michael Cox, co-director of IDEAS, said: 'We created IDEAS four years ago to try and make a difference by infusing the best academic thinking into global debates on world affairs and it is very gratifying that others feel we've done this. I am especially pleased that this reflects the hard work put in by all our colleagues over this and past years.'
Arne Westad, co-director of IDEAS, said: 'Our job is just beginning though – world affairs are moving as fast as we can track them and the need for rigorous analysis and insight is greater than ever.'
The Think Tank and Civic Society Program announced the rankings at the World Economic Forum in Davos. For full details see http://www.gotothinktank.com/2011-global-tank-index/|.